"We determined at this point in the offseason given our needs and given where we felt the market would be for Jay, we were prepared to move," Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said. "But not with any great confidence it was going to go down further or go up. It’s nice to be patient but at some point you have to make a decision.”

The Mets made the decision to be aggressive, and Bruce welcomed a chance to return to a team that he believes has a chance to be a contender in 2018.

Despite a 70-92 record in 2017, Bruce believes the Mets can bounce back and return to the playoffs like they did in 2016 when he helped a late-season push. The outfielder is banking on improve health after injuries decimated the roster this past year.

“I feel like that we’re a healthy season away from being right in the thick of it. That opportunity is a huge reason I came back," said Bruce, who has a five-team no-trade clause. "To be able to feel legitimately you’re going to be able to contend, to win a World Series in a place like New York is not something everybody has the chance to do. I think health is going to be determining factor. I feel like our team is talented enough and I feel like if everyone is healthy and on the field, we’re going to be in really good shape.”

Though Bruce may be optimistic about the Mets' chances, the reality is the team still needs to add another quality player to ensure they can compete for a Wild Card. An argument can be made that the Mets would also benefit from adding a staring pitcher.

A decreasing payroll is preventing Alderson and his staff from splurging this offseason, but the Bruce acquisition showed that the team's decision makers can pounce when their is value. Bruce signed for less than most would have predicted in Nobember

The Mets are still in the market for either a second baseman or a third baseman, and Alderson believes the team can make another significant monetary investment. The payroll is currently projected to be in the $135-$140 million range, allowing some wiggle room before reaching last year's Opening Day mark of about $155 million.

Alderson's preference is to sign a free agent rather than acquire a player via trade, and free agents include Mike Moustakas, Todd Frazier and Eduardo Nunez. Moustakas still seems a long shot, but Frazier and Nunez likely fit the ball as significant investments.

"I’ve never been big on giving up players anyway," Alderson said when discussing the best route to take. "We’ll have to see how it shakes out. We’re always comparing value and whether it’s a trade or free agency, those are things that we consider both.”

The Mets already have surprised some by signing Bruce to a significant contract, but it's a partnership that makes sense. Both parties enjoyed their time together from August of 2016 to August of 2017, and discussed a possible reunion in free agency.

When Bruce's market did not take off, the Mets were a comfortable landing spot, and he will settle into the middle of the lineup. Alderson praised Bruce for being durable, versatile and intelligent, and the outfielder will be counted on to be a clubhouse leader.

This reunion also allows Bruce to take care of "unfinished business" from the previous two seasons, but the roster needs more upgrades for that to be feasible.

"I look forward to the next year of finishing the unfinished business," Bruce said. "And getting back to where we are all expect to be."

Rutger’s Eleazar DeLuca does a last second match winning throw against Ohio State’s KeShawn Hayes during their 149 lbs. bout. Rutgers University Wrestling vs Ohio State on January 7, 2018 in Piscataway, NJ. Peter Ackerman

Rutger’s Richie Lewis works to maintain control of Ohio State’s Te’Shan Campbell during their 165 lbs bout which Lewis won 5-2. Rutgers University Wrestling vs Ohio State on January 7, 2018 in Piscataway, NJ. Peter Ackerman